Day Two is now over, and it was massive! We had the combined Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, which really brought the heat, which was followed by Square Enix Presents, which took our hype levels to overdrive!
E3 Day 2
E3 Day 2 kicked off with a bang, with Xbox and Bethesda showing off such eagerly-anticipated games as Starfield and Halo Infinite, and ended with a similarly large showing from Square Enix, and the unveiling of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.
Xbox & Bethesda
Starfield
The Xbox & Bethesda Showcase got right down to business, giving us a trailer (that unfortunately leaked hours prior to the show) of the eagerly-anticipated Starfield right off the bat. What's more, we even got a release date.
You can look forward to playing the next generation of open-world action RPG's on 11 November 2022. We also got confirmation of Starfield's exclusivity, so sorry PlayStation fans, this is one that will be exclusive to Xbox consoles (but will, of course, come to PC as well).
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl
Next up we got some incredible looking gameplay from S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, the sequel to the cult-classic original. Fans of post-apocalyptic FPS like the Metro series should definitely keep an eye on this one.
This one looks like a timed console exclusive, with it being noted that the game would be “coming first” to Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Back 4 Blood
Back 4 Blood was shown next, the spiritual successor to Left 4 Dead, from developer Turtle Rock Studios.
The gameplay will be instantly recognisable to fans of Left 4 Dead, and it looks like some incredibly good times could be had with its 4-player coop.
Also shown was a PvP mode called Swarm, which will see one side playing as the undead, in another call back to Left 4 Dead's legacy.
Back 4 Blood is releasing October 12, 2021, and it will be coming to Xbox Game Pass on launch day.
Contraband
We got a teaser for a new IP from Avalanche Studios, the developers behind the Just Cause series. A coop, open-world smuggling game set in the late '70s, details are still quite scarce for Contraband, but the premise is certainly intriguing.
Contraband doesn't have a release date, but we do know it will come to Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Sea of Thieves: A Pirates Life
In perhaps the most called-for crossover in video game/movie history, it was announced that the worlds of Pirates of the Caribbean and Sea of Thieves are going to collide.
Jack Sparrow, Davey Jones and the rest of the crew are coming to the world of Sea of Thieves in this free expansion, launching on June 22.
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
It was announced that the fantastically surreal JRPG Yakuza: Like a Dragon is coming to Xbox Game Pass, and what's more, it's available via Xbox Game Pass right now.
The seventh mainline Yakuza game, Like a Dragon, ditches the beat-em-up action of previous titles in the series and instead opts for turn-based combat very much in the style of the Dragon Quest franchise. It sounds odd but in practice, it works fantastically.
Battlefield 2042
The next Battlefield game, 2042, was debuted earlier this week, but Xbox showed off a few minutes of gameplay during the showcase.
With the player count doubling, and the evolving weather changing the nature of battles dynamically in very drastic ways, Battlefield 2042 truly looks to be the next evolution of the franchise.
Psychonauts 2 Release Date, Doom Eternal Enhancements
Players eagerly awaiting news of Psychonauts 2 can rejoice, the sequel to the cult-classic game is launching on August 25.
It was revealed as well that gory shooter Doom Eternal is getting a technical upgrade, in the form of a 60 FPS/ray-tracing mode, and a 120 FPS performance mode on Xbox Series X.
Game Pass Additions
It was announced that a bunch of new games are coming to Game Pass, and you can play them right now.
Subscribers will be able to look forward to diving into The Evil Within 2, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, Arx Fatalis, Rage, Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus, and four Fallout Games (1, 2, 3, Tactics).
Fallout 76
We got trailers for two new updates that are in the works for Fallout 76, in the form of the Steel Reign expansion, and a new Expedition in the form of The Pitt.
Steel Reign is coming July 27, with The Pitt releasing sometime in 2022.
Elder Scrolls Online: Console Enhanced Edition
The world of Tamriel is getting an upgrade on Xbox consoles, in the form of increased resolution and faster frame rates.
The Console Enhanced update is coming on June 15.
Party Animals
On a lighter note, we got a look at Party Animals, a timed Xbox exclusive brawler that looks like a bunch of fun.
Party Animals is coming sometime in 2022.
Hades is Coming to Consoles
We got the announcement that Supergiant's fantastic rogue-like Hades is coming to Xbox (and also PlayStation) on August 13.
The winner of numerous GotY awards in 2020, Hades is currently only available on PC and Nintendo Switch.
Somerville
We got a trailer for the gorgeous and artistically styled Somerville, which appears to be an action-puzzle game set in a world beset by alien invaders.
This one looks like one to keep an eye on. Somerville is releasing at some point in 2022.
Halo Infinite
Next up was one of Xbox's biggest titles, we got an overview trailer for Halo Infinite, and some details of what direction the single-player campaign is headed.
We also learned that Halo Infinite first multiplayer season will be free to play, and both the campaign and the multiplayer suite will be coming this holiday season.
Diablo 2 Resurrected
We got another look at the remastered version of Diablo 2, Resurrected, in action, and also a release date.
You can look forward to combatting the forces of Hell all over again on September 23.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
The sequel to the surprising hit, A Plague Tale, was shown off, and we got a release window.
You can look forward to facing the teeming masses of rats at some point in 2022.
Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 has had a great showing at this years E3, but a gameplay trailer showcasing the games varied arsenal of weapons was show off during the Xbox showcase.
You can look forward to engaging in some explosive action in Far Cry 6 when it releases later this year, on October 7.
Slime Rancher 2
We got the announcement of the next Slime Rancher game, aptly named Slime Rancher 2.
This overly cute adventure will launch sometime in 2022.
Atomic Heart
We got an awesome new trailer for Atomic Heart, which looks like a creepy mix between Bioshock and Fallout.
No release date for this one yet, but certainly one to keep an eye on.
Shredders
Next up we got a trailer for the epic looking Shredders, a snowboarding game from developer Foam Punch.
Shredders is due out at some point in December, 2021.
Replaced
Replaced is taking the concept of a 2D action game to a whole new level. Gorgeous artwork, and great-looking combat that demands your attention
Expect this one in 2022.
Grounded: Shroom & Doom Update
Arachnophobes need not apply here. Shroom & Doom is an update coming to Grounded, and it introduces nightmarish spiders, in addition to the titular mushrooms.
The Shroom & Doom update is coming to give you nightmares on June 30.
Among Us
It was announced that Among Us, the wildly popular lying simulator, is getting 15 player lobbies on June 15.
In addition, the title is coming to Xbox Game Pass.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
A jaw-dropping trailer for the Kickstarter- backed Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes was debuted, along with some sad news.
This incredible looking JRPG has been delayed, and will not release until sometime in 2023.
A spinoff title was also announced. Called Eiyuden Chronicles Rising, it will launch in 2022.
The Ascent
Coop, top-down shooter The Ascent was revealed and should appeal to fans of Housemarque's Dead Nation and Alien Nation titles.
Age of Empires IV
Strategy fans rejoice, the next entry in the Age of Empires series got a gameplay trailer, and what's more, a release date.
Make history in Age of Empires IV on October 28.
The Outer Worlds 2
In what was easily the funniest and most meta trailer shown, the Outer Worlds 2 lampooned every sci-fi game ever made, in hilarious fashion.
No release date was revealed, but in another blow to PlayStation fans, it was confirmed that the Outer World 2 will be an Xbox console exclusive.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
The mesmerising Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming to Xbox consoles so that you too can see the world.
The flight-sim is coming June 27 and will see a crossover with the new Top Gun movie bringing military aircraft to the game.
Forza Horizon 5
Forza Horizon 5 was revealed by Xbox and it is set in Mexico this time around. You can check out the high octane action for yourself in the trailer below.
Forza Horizon 5 will launch on November 9.
Redfall
The Xbox & Bethesda Showcase closed with a bang, as new IP Redfall, from developer Arkane Studios (Dishonoured, Prey) was debuted.
Another Xbox console exclusive, look forward to Redfall in 2022.
Square Enix
After the mammoth showing of Xbox & Bethesda, it was time for Square Enix to show what they had in store for their legions of fans.
They opened with a reveal of a title long-rumoured to be in development:
Guardians of the Galaxy
A franchise that needs no introduction, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy was debuted, from developer Eidos Montreal.
The reveal trailer is seriously awesome, and we got another focusing on gameplay and a third which focused on the devs themselves.
It was a blowout reveal which dominated the majority of Square Enix's showcase.
The best part? Guardians of the Galaxy is releasing this year, on October 26.
Legend of Mana
The next trailer shown was the opening cinematic of the upcoming Legend of Mana remaster, which is sure to pull at the nostalgia strings of long-time JRPG fans.
Legend of Mana will launch on June 24.
Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster
It was then announced that the first six Final Fantasy titles would be getting the remaster treatment, and packaged together for the first time.
Disappointingly, this release is only coming to PC and Mobile. Perhaps that might change in the future, and no release date was given.
Marvel's Avengers: War for Wakanda
Square Enix outlined the future content updates coming to Marvel's Avengers during E3 2021.
War for Wakanda is the next expansion and will feature a playable Black Panther. You can see him in action below:
Cosmic Cube is an update that will be out by the end of the month, which will add free content to the game.
Hitman Sniper: The Shadows
Next, a Mobile spinoff of the incredibly popular Hitman franchise was unveiled.
We didn't get a firm release date for this one, but it is coming sometime in 2021.
NieR Re[in]carnation
Another franchise to get a Mobile spinoff at E3, NieR Re[in]carnation looks to build on the success of both Automata and the recently released Replicant.
Babylon's Fall
Square Enix then showed off the upcoming Babylon's Fall at E3, giving us a first look at the gameplay of this mysterious title.
This one is a PlayStation console exclusive, coming to both PS4 and PS5. No word on a release date as yet.
Life is Strange Remastered Collection
The Life is Strange series, from developer DontNod, is getting remastered, and released as a single package.
Life is Strange: True Colours
Then the next game in the Life is Strange series was shown off. Entitled True Colours, the game features a new protagonist, with an entirely new power set.
True Colours will be available on September 10.
Stranger of ParaDise: Final Fantasy Origin
To close out the show, Square Enix debuted another new IP, entitled Stranger of ParaDise: Final Fantasy Origin.
The title appears to be a Final Fantasy Soulslike game, developed in collaboration with Team Ninja.
No firm release date on this one either, but look out for it in 2022.
E3 Day 1 Recap
Missed the action from E3 Day 1?
Well, we've highlighted all the key events from the first day - including some EPIC Ubisoft reveals right here.
Devolver Digital
We're at a point now where it just isn't E3 without a crazy Devolver Digital cinematic showcase. It all started with Hotline Miami back in 2012, but now they're easily the biggest Indie publisher in the world. We'll go over the biggest announcements from the show.
Shadow Warrior 3
We got a much better look at the upcoming Shadow Warrior 3 at E3. Lo Wang returns in this glorious over the top action title.
Phantom Abyss
This game is an asynchronous multiplayer title pitting you against other players in a procedurally-generated temples. You'll see ghosts in the temple of other players who attempted it before you and you learn from their misfortunes. Phantom Abyss comes to early access on 22 June.
Wizard With A Gun
Wizard with a Gun is an isometric looter shooter with heavy crafting and survival elements. It's coming to PC and Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Gearbox Software
Not the best showcase from Gearbox at this E3, with Godfall coming to PS4 and PS5 the only somewhat significant announcement.
There was a "behind the scenes" (very literal) look at the Borderlands movie, but unfortunately, none of the characters were shown off.
Avatar "Frontiers of Pandora"
Far Cry 6
Rainbow 6 Extraction gets a release date
For a look at the gameplay reveal head here.
New Mario + Rabbids Game Leaks Ahead Of Ubisoft Forward
The Ubisoft Forward event will take place later today, ahead of this we have a potential game leak. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope was found on the Nintendo website earlier and appears to have gone live earlier than expected.
The game is slated for a 2022 release and has multiple screenshots available, as well as what appears to be box art. Given that Kingdom Battle was given to Ubisoft to reveal, it's possible we'll see more tonight at the Ubisoft Forward event.
Summer Game Fest Live - Reveals
Elden Ring Release Date, Gameplay Revealed
Elden Ring will be the next continuation of the Souls genre, a product with collaboration from Dark Souls creator Hidetaka Miyazaki and author George R. R. Martin.
In a new gameplay trailer, Elden Ring's release date was finally revealed, and we got to see what its gameplay looks like.
Deviation Studios Partners With PlayStation
We don't have any details on the game they're working on yet, but we now know that Deviation Studios have partnered with PlayStation for it.
The team is made up of ex-Treyarch devs, so we expect it to be something first-person shooter based. Hopefully we'll hear more soon.
New Tales of Arise Trailer
A new trailer for Bandai Namco's Tales of Arise was shown off. It "presents the region of Elde Menancia, a luxurious and diverse region of Dahna, and its capital of Viscint. Here players will meet Kisara and Dohalim, the last two characters to join Alphen, Shionne, Rinwell and Law in their quest to free Dahna from Renan oppression."
Tales of Arise will be available on September 10, 2021 and you can check the tailer out below:
New Look at Monster Hunter Stories 2
Ahead of its release in early July, we got another look at Monster Hunter Stories 2 at E3, including the reveal of the game's themed amiibo.
You'll also get various free items for preordering, which were also confirmed during the trailer.
Fast & Furious Car Pack Coming to Rocket League
Following on from the F1 and Nascar pack that came out last month, it has been revealed that Rocket League will celebrate the release of F9 with a Fast & Furious car pack.
A three vehicle bundle will come to the game on June 17.
Among Us Hide & Seek
Innersloth has confirmed that a Hide & Seek Mode will be coming to Among Us.
Salt & Sacrifice Revealed
A sequel to Salt and Sanctuary, Salt and Sacrifice, has been revealed and it is confirmed to be a PlayStation 5 exclusive.
Check out all of the details and trailer here.
First Look at Warzone & Black Ops Cold War Season 4
Raven and Treyarch gave us our first look at Warzone and Black Ops Cold War Season 4 during the Summer Game Fest stream.
While the full details won't come until June 14, we can see new Verdansk '84 POIs, a look at the new Zombies map, and more from the reveal trailer.
Jurassic World Evolution 2
Introduced by Jeff Goldblum, Jurassic World Evolution 2 will launch sometime in 2021.
The park builder simulator will once again see everything go wrong.
Death Stranding Coming to PS5
Hideo Kojima himself announced that Death Stranding Director's Cut will be coming to PS5 with new content.
The trailer was filled with Metal Gear Solid teases, and you can check it out below.
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands
Tiny Tina's Wonderlands has been revealed, following some leaks over the past few days. Check out the trailer.
Battlefield 2042 Revealed
We started off E3 2021 strong with Battlefield 2042 being revealed on Wednesday, 9 June. We know there will be no campaign or Battle Royale at launch with a heavy focus on the online multiplayer modes.
It's since been confirmed that we will see a first look at gameplay during the Xbox + Bethesda Showcase.
Full Schedule
Below is the full schedule, at least as far as we know it so far:
June 12
- 12:00 PST / 15:00 EST / 20:00 BST - Ubisoft Forward
- Gearbox Showcase (Time TBA)
June 13
- 10:00 PST / 13:00 EST / 18:00 BST - Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase
- 14:30 PST / 17:30 EST / 22:30 BST - The PC Gaming Show, from PC Gamer
- GamesRadar Showcase (Time TBA)
- Warner Bros/Back4Blood Event (Time TBA)
- Square Enix Presents (Time TBA)
June 14
- Take-Two (Time TBA)
- 14:30 PST / 17:30 EST / 20:30 BST - Capcom Showcase
June 15
- 09:00 PST / 12:00 EST / 17:00 BST - Nintendo Direct
- 09:45 PST / 12:45 EST / 17:45 BST - Nintendo Treehouse Live
- Bandai Namco (Time TBA)
June 16
- 09:00 PST / 12:00 EST / 17:00 BST - Steam Next Fest
Summer Game Fest E3 2021
The Summer Game Fest will take place on Thursday, 10 June and will be hosted by Geoff Keighley. He promises world premiers of games we've not yet seen and a general mix of games from all kinds of studios and genres.
The Summer Game Fest will be hosted by YouTube Gaming a kicks-off at 7pm BST. We'll keep you up to date with the latest news and reveals from the show.
Ubisoft E3 2021 Conference
We already know a little more about the showing from Ubisoft this year. There will be a focus on the recently re-revealed Rainbow Six: Extraction as well as more information on Far Cry 6.
Beyond this, updates on the next step in the Assassins Creed franchise as well as what's in store for The Division, Watch Dogs, For Honor and Beyond Good and Evil 2.
The most requested title from Ubisoft's portfolio would be a new Splinter Cell game, with the franchise having not been seen since 2013 with Blacklist. The show is due to kick-off at 8pm BST on Saturday, 12 June
Xbox + Bethesda Showcase E3 2021
The joint Xbox and Bethesda showcase will take place on Sunday, 13 June at 6pm BST. We'll see the best of what both parties have to offer including juicy new details on some of the most anticipated titles of the coming years.
For Bethesda we hope to see more at E3 from The Elder Scrolls 6, Starfield and anything they have in store for Doom, The Evil Within and Prey.
Xbox will be keen to put in a better showing this E3 for Halo: Infinite as well as show what's next for Forza, Fable, Perfect Dark and more. We also know we'll be getting a first look at Battlefield 2042 gameplay during the showcase.
Square Enix Presents E3 2021
Square Enix are the newest additions to E3 having only started offering presentations in 2018. Their show will take place on Sunday, 12 June at 8.15pm BST
We expect to see more about their continued support for Marvel Avengers and upcoming Marvel products like the rumoured Guardians of the Galaxy game.
Beyond this, Square Enix may talk about upcoming Final Fantasy projects at E3, and the continued support for Final Fantasy Online.
Nintendo Direct E3 2021
Finally we come to Nintendo who will host their E3 2021 Direct on Tuesday, 15 June at 5pm BST.
Nintendo often keep their cards very close to their chest ahead of E3, meaning mostly rampant speculation around what will be shown. The only indication they have given is that the rumoured Switch Pro will not be shown as the Direct is focused solely on games.
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